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News that the City of London is
to end free parking for electric
vehicles because the scheme has
become 'too successful’ has been
branded barmy by electric car
company NICE. The U-turn comes
in the week government is
expected to publish its
renewable energy strategy, which
will point to the benefits of
boosting the market for electric
vehicles.
‘The reasons for scrapping this
incentive are plain daft,’ said
NICE co-founder Julian Wilford.
‘The City’s Department of
Environmental Services has said
that free parking encourages
people to use electric cars;
surely that’s the point?
‘Electric cars emit no air
quality pollutants or carbon
dioxide; they are far cleaner
than conventional cars, buses
and taxis. We think the City’s
decision has nothing to do with
improving the environment and
everything to do with short-term
financial gain.’
The NICE Car Company has
welcomed moves by
forward-thinking authorities
like Westminster Council.
Working with EDF, the Energy
Saving Trust and Transport for
London, Westminster recently
introduced 10 new ‘juice points’
across the borough. These are
on-street recharging sockets for
electric cars like the NICE Mega
City.
More local authorities are now
following Westminster’s lead,
offering incentives like
residents’ parking concessions
and free re-charging facilities.1
The City is the first to
introduce a concession - and
then scrap it.
‘Car makers are moving mountains
to bring electric models to
market, but we have cars on sale
now,’ added Wilford. ‘Removing
this incentive creates
uncertainty at a time when
consumers need clear, long-term
signals on the benefits of
clean, electric motoring. The
City’s approach is the worst
kind of green wash.’
Stylish new
face for the Mega City car
All-electric
car that could save you up to £3,000
NICE Car
Company to introduce more electric cars
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